Startup founder says BBMP sought bribe for water connection, gave official & unofficial options
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has been embroiled in a bribery scandal after a Bengaluru-based startup founder, Ravichandra Reddy, alleged that officials from the civic body demanded bribes for road-cutting work related to getting a water connection. The incident has sparked outrage and raised questions about the prevalence of corruption in the city’s administrative systems.
According to Reddy, the road-cutting work was necessary to obtain a water connection for his startup, as the water pipeline was located on the opposite side of the road. However, when he approached the BBMP officials to obtain the necessary permission, he was met with demands for bribes. The officials allegedly presented Reddy with two options: an “official” payment of ₹80,000, which included a ₹20,000 bribe, or an “unofficial” payment of ₹40,000, for which Reddy would have to restore the road himself.
Reddy’s allegations have highlighted the entrenched corruption within the BBMP and the difficulties faced by citizens and businesses in obtaining basic services. The fact that officials are openly demanding bribes and providing “unofficial” options for payment is a disturbing trend that undermines the rule of law and perpetuates a culture of corruption.
The incident has also raised questions about the accountability of BBMP officials and the lack of transparency in the civic body’s operations. If Reddy’s allegations are true, it suggests that the BBMP has failed to implement adequate measures to prevent corruption and ensure that citizens are not extorted for basic services.
The demand for bribes by BBMP officials is not an isolated incident. There have been numerous reports of corruption and extortion by civic officials in Bengaluru, which has earned the city a reputation for being one of the most corrupt in the country. The lack of effective governance and accountability has created an environment where corruption can thrive, and citizens are forced to pay bribes to obtain basic services.
The allegations made by Reddy also highlight the difficulties faced by startups and small businesses in Bengaluru. The city is often touted as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, but the reality is that many startups struggle to navigate the complex and often corrupt administrative systems. The demand for bribes by BBMP officials can be a significant obstacle for startups, which often have limited resources and cannot afford to pay extortionate amounts for basic services.
In response to Reddy’s allegations, the BBMP has launched an investigation into the matter. However, it remains to be seen whether the civic body will take concrete action to address the issue of corruption and ensure that citizens are not extorted for basic services.
The incident has sparked a wider debate about the need for greater transparency and accountability in the BBMP’s operations. There have been calls for the civic body to implement measures such as online payment systems and transparent accounting practices to prevent corruption and ensure that citizens are not extorted for basic services.
In conclusion, the allegations made by Ravichandra Reddy have highlighted the entrenched corruption within the BBMP and the difficulties faced by citizens and businesses in obtaining basic services. The incident has sparked outrage and raised questions about the accountability of BBMP officials and the lack of transparency in the civic body’s operations. It is essential that the BBMP takes concrete action to address the issue of corruption and ensures that citizens are not extorted for basic services.
To prevent such incidents in the future, the BBMP must implement measures to increase transparency and accountability in its operations. This can include online payment systems, transparent accounting practices, and effective grievance redressal mechanisms. The civic body must also take concrete action against officials who are found to be involved in corrupt practices, including dismissal and prosecution.
Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the BBMP to ensure that citizens are not extorted for basic services and that the civic body operates in a transparent and accountable manner. The allegations made by Reddy are a wake-up call for the BBMP to take concrete action to address the issue of corruption and ensure that Bengaluru becomes a city where citizens can access basic services without having to pay bribes.
About the Author
